Energy Drinks Often Contain More Caffeine Than They Say

Energy drinks may contain more caffeine than their labels claim,
according to a new report.

Researchers at Consumer Reports purchased cans of 27 popular
energy drinks and shots online and at stores in New York,
Connecticut and New Jersey, and tested the caffeine levels in
three samples of each product.

Caffeine levels in the drinks ranged between 6 and 242 milligrams
per serving, and some containers contained more than one serving,
they found.

By comparison, an 8-ounce
cup of coffee generally contains about 100 mg of caffeine;
eight ounces of cola contains about 25 mg.

The researchers found that 16 of the products listed a specific
amount of caffeine on their labels. However, their own tests
showed that five of these products — Arizona Energy, Clif Shot
Turbo Energy Gel, Nestlé Jamba, Sambazon Organic Amazon Energy
and Venom Energy — contained at least 20 percent more caffeine
than stated. One sample, of Archer Farms Energy Drink Juice
Infused, contained about 70 percent less caffeine than was listed
on the label.

Moderate doses of caffeine, between 200 to 300 mg, aren't harmful
for healthy adults, whereas heavy daily use, of more than 500 mg,
can
cause insomnia, fast heartbeat and muscle tremors, according
to the Mayo Clinic. But people can vary widely in how much
caffeine they can consume before experiencing unhealthy side
effects.

Pregnant women are generally recommended to limit consumption
to less than 200 mg daily (higher levels have been linked in some
studies to an increased risk of miscarriage).